UP Health System – Marquette CT Technologist Samantha Bolm Honored with Julianne Kirkham Award

While performing a CT scan for a patient, Sam noticed something that concerned her. While the patient's primary care office awaited the radiologist's official interpretation, Sam called the office to share her concerns. Recognizing their importance, the care team agreed that the patient would remain in the CT department until a STAT reading was completed.

Although the initial report did not confirm what Sam had observed, she trusted her clinical instincts and continued to advocate for the patient. She contacted the radiologist and requested an additional review of the images.

That second review confirmed a critical finding: a pulmonary embolism, or blood clot in the lungs, a potentially life-threatening condition requiring prompt medical attention.

Once the finding was confirmed, Sam acted quickly to help ensure the patient received appropriate follow-up care. She communicated the critical result to the patient's primary care office by phone and fax and helped facilitate direct communication between the patient, her husband and the primary care nurse.

With Sam's help, the nurse was able to explain the serious incidental finding and communicate the primary care provider's recommendation that the patient go to the emergency department for immediate evaluation.

Sam's actions demonstrated the importance of attention to detail, communication and speaking up when something does not seem right. Rather than simply accepting the initial report, she followed through on her concerns and helped ensure that a potentially life-threatening condition was identified and communicated without unnecessary delay.

Her persistence also reflects the teamwork required across health care. By coordinating with the radiologist and the patient's primary care team, Sam helped connect the different pieces of the patient's care at a critical moment.

Thanks to her vigilance, persistence and coordination, the patient was able to receive the appropriate follow-up care. Her willingness to take an extra step made a meaningful difference in the patient's experience and potentially her outcome.

Through her dedication to patient safety, strong clinical awareness and commitment to advocating for those in her care, Sam exemplifies the purpose of the Dr. Julianne Kirkham Award.

Thank you, Sam, for going above and beyond for your patients and helping ensure they receive the safe, attentive and compassionate care they deserve.

About the Dr. Julianne Kirkham Award

Named in honor of Dr. Julianne Kirkham, this award pays tribute to those who, just as Dr. Kirkham did, believe that our own lives become better as we help others' lives become better. Every individual patient mattered to Dr. Kirkham, and she touched countless lives throughout her career. She was a true educator to patients, families and fellow medical colleagues. She was intellectually curious and had a deep love for helping others. Her warmth, knowledgeable compassion, sense of justice and fierce advocacy for her patients during their darkest times gave them hope and direction. Her sense of humor was brilliant, helping to put her patients at ease. Dr. Kirkham lived her life with a greater purpose to help others.

Sadly, Dr. Kirkham passed away unexpectedly in 2020. She was courageous, generous and inspiring, with an unrelenting desire to create a ripple effect of positive change in the people and the world around us. In honor of Dr. Kirkham's memory, UP Health System – Marquette created this award to recognize those who follow in her footsteps.

Recipients of this award are chosen by a hospital committee on a quarterly basis based on nominations submitted by staff.